Archives December 2014

Urasawa Naoki, 54, is well known for 20th Century Boys and Pluto, an adaptation of Tezuka Osamu's Astro Boy. His works are on sale in over 20 countries and in various languages, and he recently produced “Urasawa Naoki’s Manben”, which means “Manga study”, on NHK. The TV program goes...

This year, renowned ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) was chosen as the base for all of the designers who entered their works into the art show that travels from Tokyo to Milano and finally to London.
One of the designers, Shusuke Osanai, who is Integral Vision's Chief Computer Graphic...

The village aims to give people, mainly youths, with more international experiences through English-only communication and without leaving Japan. The location will include educational facilities, restaurants, shops, and theatres. All staffs are to be English-speaking foreigners.
Many Japanese...

And you thought you spent a lot this holiday season.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet has approved a new stimulus package worth $29 billion, or 3.5-trillion Yen, this past weekend to help fire up Japan's slumping economy.
The package is designed to help small businesses and the household...

Nor was he out looking for the latest video games or some of the deals available around the holidays in Osaka's downtown core.
Rather, he was looking for something a bit more savoury, something a bit more deep fried than your typical gift. After visiting 10 different stores around his neighbourhood...

The film in question stars Seth Rogen and James Franco who play interviewers on a secret mission to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. One of the offending scenes in question depicts the North Korea's leader being blown up in a helicopter.
Sony received threats from the hackers stating...

It is true that we get bombarded by advertising on TV and in stores as soon as Halloween is finished. It is also true that there is a lot of pressure on children to ask for presents that are touted to be better and more improved when what they are is more expensive. This pressure is passed on to the parents,...

While he's awake, Setsuchan is an adorable blue-eyed cat, but when he's asleep that all seems to change. His tongue lolls out, his eyes roll back, and he takes on an expression similar to the walking dead.
We've heard of Sleeping Beauty, but we don't often hear of Sleeping Ugly. However, the cat's...

According to an article featured on Yahoo New Japan, the Blue Jays are currently in the running for Hanshin Tiger Takashi Toritani. The San Diego Padres and the Hanshin Tigers, who are trying to retain him, will also be bidding to scoop up the shortstop.
Toritani, who is 33-years-old, has made...

Whether it's for family or friends, loved ones or that Japanophile in your life we've got a suggestion here and a little hint there that might turn your window shopping into actual shopping this year. Please take a look at the items our editorial staff have assembled and have a happy holiday!